The board Tuesday voted 5-0 to scrap its at-large voting system and establish five districts. The change takes place November 2020.

Board President Ralph Pacheco said he’s OK with either system, but he is unwilling to fight to keep the current one.

“There’s always a time for change,” Pacheco said. “I think this is one of those times. We can either try to resist it or accept it. Do we spend money and try to fight the inevitable or take that money to put it where it belongs to serve the welfare of our kids.

Whittier Union’s plan calls for public hearings to be held Tuesday and Oct. 30 to set the criteria for districts. For example, districts could be drawn to mimic feeder school boundaries or be divided by geographical features.

A first viewing of potential district plans will be held Nov. 13, then three open houses at dates to be determined will be held receive input on maps. On Jan. 15 the board will narrow its options to two or three maps. The board will make a final decision on Feb. 12.

Mike Sprague started at the Whittier Daily News in April 1984. Since then, Sprague has covered every city in the Whittier Daily News circulation area, as well as political and water issues. Sprague received a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in political science, both from Cal State Fullerton.